joe-schmoe

Proper noun

(US, informal) The typical, everydayperson who does not have any special status, frequently in contrast to some group.

Usage notes

Can be either derogatory or humorous.

Origin

Derivative of Joe (as in average Joe). Adding a schm- or shm- to the beginning of a word is meant to diminish, negate, or dismiss an argument (for instance, "rain, schmain, we've got a game to play"). This process was adapted in English from the use of the "shm" prefix in Yiddish to dismiss something; as in, "fancy, schmancy." While "Schmoe" (alternate spellings) are thought by some linguists to be a clipping of Yiddish schmuck ("penis") but not universally accepted.